How to Clean Sex Toys Properly: A 2025 Guide to Cleaners & Techniques
You’ve just had an amazing time with your new toy. It’s powerful, it feels incredible, and it’s a true investment in your pleasure. But now comes the part that feels like a chore, filled with uncertainty: cleaning. Are you doing it right? Can you use regular soap? What if you ruin the soft silicone you paid so much for? Proper cleaning isn’t just about hygiene; it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring your toys are safe for years of enjoyment.
Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. This guide will teach you exactly **how to clean sex toys properly**, breaking it down by material so you never have to guess again. We’ll also review the **best sex toy cleaner** brands on the market to help you find the perfect one. Let’s make aftercare a simple, stress-free part of your routine.
How to Clean Your Sex Toys Based on Material
The Step-by-Step Cleaning Method for Any Toy
Total Time Needed: PT5M
Step 1: Clean Immediately After Use
The golden rule of toy care is to clean it right after you’re done. Don’t let it sit. This prevents bacteria buildup and makes the process much faster. A quick rinse-off is better than leaving it for hours.
Step 2: Identify Your Toy’s Material
This is the most critical step as different materials need different care. Silicone (Most Common): Soft, flexible, and matte. Use warm water and a dedicated toy cleaner or gentle, unscented antibacterial soap. NEVER use silicone lubricant with silicone toys, as it will permanently damage the material. Glass, Metal & Pyrex: Hard, non-porous, and perfect for temperature play. These are the easiest to clean. “Jelly,” PVC, Rubber (Porous Toys): Squishy, sometimes sticky or with a strong smell. These materials are porous and can harbor bacteria. They require careful cleaning and should be replaced more often.
Step 3: Wash Thoroughly
For Silicone, Glass, and Metal, lather up with a generous amount of toy cleaner or gentle soap and warm water. Make sure to get into any crevices. Rinse completely until all soap residue is gone. For deep sterilization, glass and metal toys can be boiled for 10 minutes or run through a dishwasher (top rack). Can you boil silicone toys? Most high-quality silicone is boil-safe, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions first. For Porous/Jelly toys, use soap and water but be aware that you can never fully sterilize them. Some people use a condom with these toys for added safety.
Step 4: Dry Completely and Store Properly
After washing, pat your toy dry with a clean, lint-free cloth. Air dry it the rest of the way to ensure no moisture is trapped, especially near charging ports. Store your toys in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Use the storage bag it came with. Crucially, **do not store different toy materials touching each other,** especially porous jelly toys next to silicone, as a chemical reaction can melt them.
| Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Lovehoney FRESH Foaming Cleaner: Best Overall Value
|
$9.99 | Check Price | |
|
2. LELO Premium Cleaning Spray: Best for Luxury Toys
|
$12.90 | Check Price | |
|
3. We-Vibe Clean: Best for Sensitive Skin
|
$14.99 | Check Price | |
|
4. Clean Stream Original: Best Large Format Option
|
$12.99 (8oz) | Check Price |
A Selection of Top-Rated Sex Toy Cleaners for 2025
1. Lovehoney FRESH Foaming Cleaner: Best Overall Value
This is the go-to cleaner for a reason. Its foaming formula makes it easy to apply and ensures complete coverage. It’s affordable, body-safe, antibacterial, and works perfectly on silicone, glass, and metal without leaving any residue. A large bottle lasts a long time, making it the best value on the market.
2. LELO Premium Cleaning Spray: Best for Luxury Toys
If you’ve invested in a high-end toy, treat it with a premium cleaner. LELO’s spray is alcohol-free and specifically formulated to preserve the ultra-soft feel of their silicone. It dries in seconds and is highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. It’s the perfect way to care for your luxury items.
3. We-Vibe Clean: Best for Sensitive Skin
We-Vibe Clean is formulated to be extra gentle. It’s free of alcohol, parabens, and glycerin, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. This water-based formula is pH balanced and designed to protect the integrity of high-quality silicone toys, ensuring they remain soft and safe to the touch.
4. Clean Stream Original: Best Large Format Option
For those who want to stock up, Clean Stream offers a large, economical bottle of effective antibacterial cleaner. It’s a simple, no-frills formula that is safe for silicone, rubber, glass, and metal. It’s triclosan-free and a great staple to have on hand for all of your cleaning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toy Cleaning
Can I just use dish soap or hand soap?
It’s not recommended. Many soaps contain oils, glycerine, or harsh chemicals that can break down silicone over time, making it sticky or brittle. Always opt for a dedicated toy cleaner or a very gentle, unscented, and antibacterial soap like plain Dial Gold in a pinch.
Is it safe to get my rechargeable toy wet?
Most modern rechargeable toys are fully waterproof or at least water-resistant. However, never submerge a toy unless the manufacturer explicitly states it is 100% submersible. Pay close attention to the charging port—if it has a silicone plug, make sure it is fully sealed before washing.
What is the absolute easiest way to clean toys?
For glass and stainless steel toys, the easiest method is to place them on the top rack of your dishwasher. For silicone toys, the fastest way is a few sprays of a quality toy cleaner, a quick lather with your hands under warm water, and a rinse. The entire process takes less than a minute.